Long queues snaked around the block outside McDonald's restaurants as 15 reopened for the first time since early March - but delivery ...
Long queues snaked around the block outside McDonald's restaurants as 15 reopened for the first time since early March - but delivery drivers claimed it became a 'McShambles' at one busy store today.
The fast food giant opened a small number of sites from 11am for deliveries and they were swamped with UberEats and Deliveroo workers - but it became so busy at one south London branch that two-metre social distancing went out of the window.
McDonald's bosses have also announced the company is also to reopen its first 30 drive-through restaurants next Wednesday as it pushes forward with its reopening plans - but the menu has been limited in size to make it easier for staff.
One UberEats worker was one of 25 delivery drivers working out of the fast food chain's Tooting branch this morning, claiming the situation became 'dangerous'.
He said: 'They allowed 43 orders to come in at 11am and they were only allowing five drivers to come in at a time. The drivers were all bunched outside, it was chaotic, a danger for everyone involved. They hadn't even got security there, it was a joke.
'At the start they were letting drivers come into the store without masks. Because we are self-employed I don't think they view us as proper people…..we're not employees so no one needs to care about us'.
He said a sanitising system was 'useless' because drivers were made to clean their bags with antibacterial spray but not their gloves or hands, adding: 'McDonald's there were about ten people in the kitchens at the back all stuck together as well. It's a recipe for death.'
A McDonald's spokesman said: 'We have worked closely with our McDelivery partners to put clear guidance and procedures in place for couriers when picking up McDelivery orders from our restaurants. When entering the restaurant, hand sanitiser and cleaning equipment is provided, and we have worked with our McDelivery partners to ensure clear guidance around hand hygiene and bag cleanliness has been emphasised. When collecting an order, couriers have a designated space in the dining area with clear instructions to help them social distance, we have also introduced a "contact free" procedure using a "hand-over" table for order pick-ups.'
There were problems at the Tooting McDonald's as delivery drivers said they were unable to maintain social distancing as the store re-opened - just one of four in London
Not all the delivery drivers had masks - and one at Tooting today claimed that santiser was used to clean bags rather than hands
An UberEats driver claimed the situation was dangerous for delivery workers and the staff in the restaurant
There was a queue around the block in Dalston, east London, as McDonald's opened 15 stores for delivery services only ahead of a drive-thru reopening next week
Delivery drivers wait outside the Harrow McDonald's. McDonald's has reopened 15 stores in the south east for delivery only service through Uber Eats - but Deliveroo staff were also there
Mopeds lined up outside the Harrow branch as people ordered in McDonald's food as the lockdown began to ease
Deliveroo workers at a branch of McDonald's in Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex, at opening time of 11am this morning, watched by a security guard in a mask
A Deliveroo worker leaves the restaurant in Chelmsford Riverside after being closed due to the Coronavirus crisis
The fast food chain plans to reopen all of its drive-through sites by early June, in line with Government guidelines, and came as Poundland announced it would reopen 30 if its 100 stores from next week.
It comes as fast food rival Subway reopens more than 600 of its UK stores on Tuesday for delivery and takeaway as it serves customers for the first time since the lockdown.
McDonald's said it will cap the amount customers can spend to £25 per car and will ask customers to use contactless payment.
This will take place alongside safety measures the chain already announced, such as contactless thermometers for staff, Perspex screens and protective equipment.
The company called for customers to be 'patient and supportive' of staff as sites reopen, warning that service 'will not be as quick as you might be used to' as workers adjust to the changes.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald's chief executive officer for UK and Ireland, said: 'There has been an incredible response to news of our reopening and we know many of you are eager for us to extend our reopening plans at a faster pace.
'The wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and delivery partners' couriers is my top priority and we will only extend our plans at a pace that enables us to create a safe working environment for our teams.
'As we get accustomed to the new processes and procedures, we will look to reopen more restaurants, for longer hours and reintroduce more menu items.
'But only when I am confident we can do so whilst maintaining the new procedures we have introduced for the protection of our people.'
Meanwhile, Subway said it has reopened more than 600 stores on Tuesday in the first phase of its reopening programme.
It said the sites have reopened with new operational and social distancing safety measures to protect customers and staff.
The chain said customers will be able to have food from these sites delivered via Just Eat, Uber Eats or Deliveroo.
Colin Hughes, country director for Subway UK & Ireland, said: 'Everybody in our Subway family and the wider communities they serve, has shown great resilience in adapting to these challenging times that we currently find ourselves in.
'We are extremely grateful for their ongoing support in anticipation of this next phase of our gradual reopening, which will enable us to continue to serve our communities and frontline workers, who have helped us all so much in recent weeks.
'The weeks and months ahead will continue to be challenging for everyone and Subway will play its part in supporting the new normal whatever that may look and feel like.'
A happy delivery driver collects a meal as McDonald's Leagrave restaurant in Luton opens for delivery and pre orders today
There were long queues of drivers outside many of the McDonald's today as diners were keen for their fix of fast food
Deliveries of food and drink arrived at stores this morning, pictured in Chelmsford - but the menu has been limited for the time being
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